I think the best writer I've ever read is Neal Stephenson. His most recent book "Anathem" is just brilliant stuff. Stephenson tells an entertaining story, while at the same time probing serious existential issues. What was really fascinating to me is that "Anathem" starts out in a setting with a medieval feel to it and ends on a starship that's travelled universes. I found the book compelling both in the story-line, the craft displayed in the writing, and in the philosophical underpinnings.If you want to check out Neal Stephenson, I'd recommend you start with his most popular book "Snow Crash". It's lighter reading than his other books but it will still make you think and it's a lot of fun. "Cryptonomicon" is also excellent, about on a par with "Anathem". His System of the World trilogy is not quite as accessable for casual reading.While Stephenson might be the best author I've ever read, he's not my favorite though. My favorite is Michael Connelly. For my money, his Harry Bosch novels are the best detective stories out there and his stand-alones are just as good. Can't wait to get my hands on his latest. I'm number 2 on the library hold list right now.